Chuzan-mon (Chuzan gate) was the first gateway of Royal capital Shuri. It stood on the west end of Aijo Ufumichi. It is known as “Shimonu-aijo” (lower aijo) or “Shimunu-Torii” (lower Torii). After the abolishment of the clan prefecture system, in 1879, it deteriorated and was demolished in May, 1908.

Basic information

Address

903-0825 1-54 Shuri Yamagawa-cho Naha Okinawa In front of Shuri Ryusen.

Business hours

Nothing in particular.

Close day

Nothing in particular.

Charge

Free

Parking

None

Access information

A 3-minute walk from the Yamakawa bus stop.

Additional Information

Academic information

Chuzan-mon (Chuzan gate) was the first gateway of Royal capital Shuri. It stood on the west end of Aijo ufumichi. It known as "Shimonu-aijo" (lower aijo) or "Shimunu-Torii" (lower Torii). It is thought to have been built in 1428. Initially, it was called Kenkoku-mon (National Foundation Gate). It was a Chinese pailou style gate (the gate with roof). In 1618, the roof was renovated from wooden plate to tile. The name of Chuzan-mon originated in a framed letters" 中山"(Chuzan) dedicated by King Shohasi's Chinese envoy Shiba-zan (Visited Ryukyu in 1425) The framed letters hung on the gate. Chuzan-mon was the same size and design as Shurei-mon, which was restored in 1959.
After the abolishment of clan prefecture system, in 1879, it deteriorated and was demolished in May, 1908.

Quote

Naha City Museum of History